With Online Education You Can Save Green
It’s well known that incurring the cost of a college education is not something one does on a lark. It’s a considerable cost, of both time but of money. Still, there are ways to save a few hundred dollars and still get that online school or certification.
What one has to do is become as keen a shopper for one’s education as one is about buying a house or car. After all, what person doesn’t do his or her share of research before choosing where they are going to live or how they will get around in? The same effort should be afforded to a decision that will last the rest of your professional career. With that in mind, these are some items that should be looked into in order to help defray the cost of college:
Online And Local Colleges Generally Cost Less – Studies have proven that, overall, course online cost 40% less than their on campus counterparts. Also, many states have fine universities that have major programs the equivalent of “national” universities, and charge those living in the same state much less than out-of-staters. Staying home (or near it) can save an awful lot.
See If You Can Take Some Pre-Testing – Say you previously had dropped out or taken advanced classes in high school. See if the university will give your credit for what you already know. If not, see if they accept tests such as CLEP, DANTES or Challenge? If you pass any of these tests that means you DO know enough to skip the course, saving you a considerable amount in credit hours.
See If The College Has A Referral Program – There’s nothing any business likes better than referrals from a satisfied customer. Colleges are businesses, too. If you have a friend who’s also going back to school, see if the college will take several hundred dollars off your tuition for the referral. Just go to that school first.
Text Books – As most text books don’t change much from year to year, one to two year old books are often as useful new ones, and can save the student an average of 20-40%. Also, you don’t have to get them at the college book store. Old texts often go for even less on eBay or Amazon. Also find out if your school actually provides the text as part of their tuition. Some do.
Work Experience Can Count As Classes – The classic example is the candy striper going to school to be an RN. That work experience should automatically erase some classes from his or her curriculum. The same goes for being in the military, having an internship or similar work experience. At the most, the school might ask you to take what’s called the ACE test. Pass the ACE, and a good school acknowledges you don’t need the course.
Every penny counts while this country slowly limps its way out of this recession. At the same time, continuing education through accredited degree is a sound investment towards increasing one’s income. That does not mean the last two statements conflict. Shopping wisely for the best online degree before making a commitment, if anything, should prove to the college that you are a superior student, and worthy of enrollment. Keep that in mind as you start your hunt.
Byrne-Reed House